John Cabot University | Master's Degree in Art History in Rome

ROME IS YOUR CAMPUS AND YOUR CLASSROOM

Seminars and courses take place at JCU’s campuses in the centrally located Trastevere district of Rome and in nearby Roman museums, churches, palaces, monuments, and archaeological parks. Some courses involve travel to other parts of Italy—for example, to Naples, Florence, or Assisi. 

RENOWNED FACULTY FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

Classes are taught by professors of art history from JCU’s Department of Art History and Studio Art. Faculty members come from diverse backgrounds and hold PhDs and other advanced degrees in art history and archaeology from leading institutions.

DEGREE PROGRAM TAKES JUST 15 MONTHS  

The degree program can be completed in three semesters of full-time study (Fall-Spring-Fall) and an intervening summer.
 

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID 

John Cabot University helps dedicated and deserving students meet their educational goals through a focused merit-based scholarship program. Financial Aid at JCU comes in various forms such as loans, scholarships, and other resources. 

Practicum in Art-Historical Research and Problem Solving

Case Studies in Art-Historical Practice 

Ancient Roman and Mediterranean Mural Painting

Roman Portraiture

Illuminated Manuscripts: Codicology for Art Historians 

The Erotic Renaissance

The Architectural Culture of Baroque Rome 

Visual Culture: Concept to Valorization 

Constructing the Baroque, 17th-21st century 

The Syntax of Public and Private Space in Ancient Rome

Ancient Portraiture: Persuasive Presence and Reflexive Agency

Constructing Identities: Christian Funerary Art in Late-Antique Rome

Vice and Virtue in Post-Tridentine Rome 

Modernity and Loss: Nineteenth Century Art and Rome 

Madison Pierson

Minnesota, USA
M.A. in Art History, Class of 2020

"If Mediterranean art is something you really want to study, this program is going to give you so many opportunities to observe in person many artworks that you probably never dreamed of seeing outside your textbooks. From ancient statues to Raphael to Caravaggio, when Rome (and Italy) is your campus, the world becomes a living art textbook just waiting for you to explore."

Bernat Racz

Hungary
M.A. in Art History, Class of 2021

"The M.A. program helped me realize which path to follow. With its incredible array of sites, monuments, and artworks, studying Art History in Rome is a truly amazing experience. The city is the ideal place for anyone who studies the arts of any period of the Western canon and beyond. In addition, JCU was an ideal choice for me because I wished to stay in the American higher education system. I have enjoyed everything about this program, but I would say that overcoming academic challenges and improving my skills every day was something that I truly value, even if it was difficult sometimes."

Lindsay Maldari

New York, USA
M.A in Art History, Class of 2022

"Something that has really struck me about this program is just how varied the faculty is in terms of their interests. It’s been so lovely to see so many people truly deep into their focus teaching the material that they are so very familiar with. It’s just very much a privilege. I worked a lot with Professor Sarah Linford, who focuses on modern and contemporary art, which is what I’ve studied. She was also my thesis mentor. She as well as other faculty really make themselves available not just within the classroom outside of the classroom; they want to meet you where you’re at in terms of your research interests and really help you grow."

Is JCU accredited?

John Cabot University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801. (267-284-5000) www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Are classes taught in English?

Yes, all graduate classes are taught entirely in English.

Do I need a Visa?

If you are from the United States or another country that is not a member of the European Union, you need a study visa to be able to study at JCU. The visa is mandatory by Italian law and must be obtained before you arrive. Students who have EU or Swiss citizenship do not need a study visa.

Does JCU offer scholarships and financial aid?

Yes, JCU helps graduate students meet their educational goals through a focused, merit-based graduate tuition grant program. Other forms of financial aid include scholarships, federal loans, and private loans.

Does JCU have housing?

Yes, we have a limited number of graduate studio apartments intended for single or double occupancy, located within walking distance from our campuses. Students may also apply to live in shared apartments located in Trastevere or in nearby neighborhoods. All apartments are fully furnished, and amenities include free wireless internet, heating, washing machines, and secured building access.

What can I expect after I graduate?

The degree is designed to serve as a foundation for art-historical careers in museums, galleries, schools, art consultancies, art publishing houses, and related entities; as preparation for Ph.D. (doctoral) level study in the history of art at other institutions; as continuing education for teachers of art history, history, classical studies, and related subjects; or as career enhancement for current and future professionals in areas where primary research skills and expertise in Roman visual culture offer creative advantages and possibilities for specialization. Examples include library and information science, cultural heritage management, historical fiction and script writing, scenography, art conservation, and game design.

Master's Degree in Art History in Rome, Italy

The first program of its kind taught entirely in the Eternal City

WHY STUDY AT JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY?